Jason Gore’s journey from junior golf prodigy to PGA Tour champion is a story of resilience, historic achievements, and family dedication. With a career spanning nearly three decades, he’s left an indelible mark on golf through record-breaking performances, business ventures, and mentorship roles. Let’s explore his life, career, and financial success.
Jason Gore’s Biography
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Jason William Gore |
Nickname | N/A |
Born | May 17, 1974 |
Age (2025) | 50 years old |
College | University of Arizona, Pepperdine University |
Nationality | American |
Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
Turned Pro | 1997 |
Net Worth (2025) | ~$10 million |
Salary (Annual) | N/A |
Spouse | Megan Gore |
Children | Jaxon (son, 13), Olivia (daughter, 9) |
Instagram Profile |
Jason Gore balances his golf career with family life in Gladstone, New Jersey. His wife, Megan, has been a pillar of support through career highs and lows, while their children enjoy a mix of sports and travel.
Early Career
Jason Gore’s early career laid the foundation for his gritty reputation in golf. Growing up in Southern California, he competed against future legends like Tiger Woods in junior tournaments, sharpening his competitive edge. After high school, he played collegiate golf at the University of Arizona before transferring to Pepperdine University, where he captained the team to an NCAA Division I Championship in 1997.
That same year, he represented the U.S. in the Walker Cup, a prestigious amateur event, defeating notable players like Justin Rose. His amateur success—marked by clutch performances and leadership—earned him a reputation as a fearless competitor.
Gore turned pro in 1997 at age 23, bypassing Q-School due to his amateur accolades, and quickly dominated the developmental Nationwide Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour) with a record seven wins. These formative years showcased his ability to thrive under pressure, setting the stage for his historic 2005 PGA Tour breakthrough.
Professional Career
Jason Gore’s professional career is a rollercoaster of triumphs, setbacks, and reinventions. After turning pro in 1997, he dominated the Nationwide Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour) with a record-breaking seven wins, earning the nickname “King of the Minor Leagues.” His 2005 season became legendary—he became the first player to secure a three-win PGA Tour promotion and win a PGA Tour event (84 Lumber Classic) in the same year, capped by a historic 59 at the Cox Classic.
Though injuries and inconsistent form followed, Gore’s grit kept him relevant. He briefly retired in 2018 to co-found an insurance business but stunned fans with a T15 finish at that year’s RSM Classic. Transitioning off the course, he served as the USGA’s Player Relations Director (2019–2023) and later joined the PGA Tour as Senior VP of Player Relations. In 2024, he reignited his competitive fire on the PGA Tour Champions, proving his passion for golf remains unshakable.
Wife
Jason married Megan in 2003, renewing vows in Hawaii in 2024. Megan, a former teacher and competitive equestrian, caddied for him during his early Nationwide Tour days. Their children, Jaxon and Olivia, often travel with Jason to tournaments. Jaxon, who is autistic, inspired the family’s plans to launch an autism-focused foundation.
Jason Gore’s Net Worth Details
Jason Gore’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
Year | Earnings | Notable Events |
1999 | $45,385 | First professional earnings (Nationwide Tour) |
2001 | $180,451 | Breakthrough season with 3 Nationwide Tour wins |
2005 | $1,040,110 | Historic year: 84 Lumber Classic (PGA Tour win) + 3 Korn Ferry victories + 59 score |
2007 | $1,105,985 | Career-high single-season PGA Tour earnings |
2015 | $1,101,246 | Strong comeback season after injuries |
2018 | $92,960 | T15 at RSM Classic post-retirement announcement |
2024 | $2,875 | PGA Tour Champions debut (Pure Insurance Championship) |
Total | ≈$6.84 million | Includes $6.78M (PGA/Korn Ferry Tours) + $57K (majors) + $2.8K (Champions Tour) |
Endorsements
Jason Gore’s endorsement profile defies the typical athlete blueprint. Unlike stars with flashy brand deals, he’s built income through grassroots engagements that align with his relatable, working-class persona. While he never signed with major equipment or apparel companies, Gore earns via golf clinics (hosting 20+ annually since 2016), corporate speaking gigs ($10K–$25K per event), and charity partnerships, including junior golf programs.
His 2018 co-founded insurance firm, Fairway Risk Management, also leverages his name for client outreach. Since 2020, he’s appeared in virtual golf simulators as a playable character for indie developers, earning royalties. A sought-after mentor, Gore collaborates with the PGA Tour’s Player Development program, advising young pros—a role that strengthens his reputation without direct sponsorships.
His lack of social media presence (no active Instagram/Twitter) shifts focus to in-person engagements, where his storytelling about comebacks and resilience resonates with audiences. These low-key, high-impact deals reflect his practical approach to post-playing success.
Career Stats
Category | PGA Tour | Korn Ferry Tour | PGA Tour Champions |
Wins | 1 (2005) | 7 (All-time record) | 0 |
Top-10 Finishes | 22 | 34 | 0 (2024 debut season) |
Career Earnings | $6.78 million | $2.1 million (estimated) | $33,261 (2024) |
Lowest Round | 63 (2005) | 59 (2005 Cox Classic) | 71 (2024) |
Major Championships | Best: T47 (2010 U.S. Open) | N/A | N/A |
Years Active | 1997–2018, 2024– | 1997–2010 | 2024– |
FAQs
1. What is Jason Gore’s net worth?
Jason Gore’s net worth is estimated at $10 million. This includes $6.84 million in career tournament earnings, income from his insurance business (Kirkman Gore Insurance), corporate speaking engagements, and salaries from his roles at the USGA and PGA Tour.
2. How many PGA Tour wins does Jason Gore have?
Gore has 1 PGA Tour victory: the 2005 84 Lumber Classic. He also holds the all-time record for most wins (7) on the Korn Ferry Tour, earning him the nickname “King of the Minor Leagues.”
3. Did Jason Gore ever shoot a 59 in competition?
Yes, Gore shot a historic 59 during the second round of the 2005 Cox Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour. This made him one of only 13 players to break 60 in the tour’s history.
4. What is Jason Gore’s connection to Tiger Woods?
Gore grew up competing against Tiger Woods in Southern California junior golf circuits during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Both later turned pro, with Woods becoming a 15-time major champion.
5. What is Jason Gore’s current role in golf?
Since 2022, Gore has served as the PGA Tour’s Executive Vice President and Chief Player Officer, overseeing player relations and policy. He previously worked as the USGA’s Player Relations Director from 2019–2023.
6. Has Jason Gore played in major championships?
Gore’s best major finish was T47 at the 2010 U.S. Open. He notably played in the final pairing of the 2005 U.S. Open but fell to T49 after a final-round 84. He never qualified for The Open Championship or Masters.
7. What happened to Jason Gore’s insurance business?
Gore co-founded Kirkman Gore Insurance Services in 2018 after briefly retiring. The California-based agency specializes in commercial and personal insurance. He remains a partner but stepped back after rejoining competitive golf on the 2024 PGA Tour Champions.
8. Is Jason Gore active on social media?
No. Gore maintains no public Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook profiles. He focuses on in-person engagements, preferring privacy for his family and business dealings.
9. Who is Jason Gore’s wife?
Gore married Megan Gore (née Smith) in 2003. A former teacher and equestrian, Megan caddied for him early in his career. They renewed vows in Hawaii in 2024 and have two children: Jaxon (13) and Olivia (9).
10. What endorsements does Jason Gore have?
Unlike most pros, Gore avoids traditional brand deals. His income includes corporate speaking fees ($10K–$25K/event), golf clinics, and royalties from virtual golf simulators. He briefly endorsed Bugle Boy apparel in the early 2000s but declined long-term partnerships.